a blog about life, family, community, faith

A Year in the 80’s – One Hit Wonders

Continuing the music theme for another week, I present you with some one hit wonders!

For the most part, these are all true one hit on the US Top 40 Pop Chart and that’s all this band ever did wonders, the bands you never of before and then never heard from again.

Here we go!

1980The Vapors – Turning Japanese
peaked at #36 on November 29th

When I saw this video, I realized I didn’t remember anything except the chorus. And listening to it I can see why: it’s pretty dumb and possibly a bit racist. But the chorus is catchy. I really think so.

.

1981Joey Scarbury – Believe It or Not (Greatest American Hero theme)
peaked at #2 on August 15th

American Bandstand, Dick Clark, skinny ties, Pac Man… I’ve got 80’s fever, ya’ll! I’m not even playing. As an interesting side-note, Buckner now has a show called The 1 Hit Wonders Show.

.

1983Taco – Puttin’ on the Ritz
peaked at #4 on September 3rd

I totally remembered most of the words when I watched this video, you guys! Or at least lots of them. Ok, some of them, but still. It seems a little weird now, but I really liked this video when I was 13. I thought it was super duper.

.

1984Ollie & Jerry – Breakin’… There’s No Stopping Us
peaked at #9 on August 4th

Break dancing is cool. That is all.

.

1985John Hunter – Tragedy
peaked at #39 on February 16th

I have no recollection of this song whatsoever, but this video made me laugh so I had to include it. Plus, cute doggie. This is so thoroughly mid-80’s! The hair, the makeup, the shoulder pads…they’re just a tragedy.

.

1986Boys Don’t Cry – I Wanna Be a Cowboy
peaked at #12 on June 21st

I do remember this song – and it’s still awesome! Yippie-yippie-yi, Yippie-yi-yo-yo! Oh, Yippie!!

.

1987Danny Wilson – Mary’s Prayer
peaked at #23 on September 5th

I liked this song, but I had no idea until now that he was saying Mary’s prayer.

.

1988E.U. (Experience Unlimited) – Da Butt
peaked at #35 on May 21st

This is a little bit of a cheat because E.U. had other hits on the R&B charts too, but they’re a D.C.-based band, which is local to me. Also it’s old guys singing about butts.

.

1989Grayson Hugh – Talk It Over
peaked at #19 on September 9

This is the only song on the list I even recognized. And I played them all. Where was I in ’89? My favorite parts of this song and video are the background singers. They remind me of my time singing in chorus.

♦

This was the most fun, you guys!! I think I’ll be spending some money at iTunes in a minute. 🙂